Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)
South China Sea Strategy Act of 2026
A Democratic bill with 1 Republican cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 512.
Cleared committee, waiting for its first floor vote
A committee approved it and it is on the calendar of the chamber it started in.
This is further than most bills get, and still no promise of a vote: the calendar is a queue, and the majority leadership decides what is called. A bill can sit here until the Congress ends.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- On Calendar
What this bill would do
This bill is called the South China Sea Strategy Act of 2026. It requires the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, to create and submit a diplomatic engagement strategy for the South China Sea. The strategy aims to support freedom of navigation, counter actions by the People's Republic of China, and work with allies and partners in the region. The bill also requires the Secretary of State to identify necessary resources for fiscal years 2027, 2028, and 2029 to implement the strategy. Finally, it mandates briefings for specific congressional committees and clarifies that the bill does not change the existing One China Policy.
Yes· 3 of 6
- Scored +6
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?
The bill mandates a strategy to deepen bilateral and collective engagements with allies and littoral states.
- Scored +3
Would business owners be better off under this?
The bill supports unfettered commerce and protects economic interests in the South China Sea.
- Scored +3
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
The bill includes plans to respond to illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing practices.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Section 2(4): This provision explicitly commits the United States to ensuring the safety of United States citizens in the region through coordinated diplomatic engagement with allies and partners. This is positive because it directly prioritizes the personal safety of Americans traveling, living, or working abroad.
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Section 3(b)(5)(C): This provision directs the strategy to include plans for responding to grey-zone tactics, including coordinated illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. This can be considered positive for individuals and groups because it aims to protect regional resources and support lawful commerce and livelihoods.
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Section 3(b)(5)(G): This provision focuses on supporting economic development and resilience to economic coercion from foreign adversaries. This is a positive outcome for people and businesses because it helps protect economic stability against unfair pressure.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Based on the provided text, there are no specific provisions that explicitly outline negative consequences, burdens, or direct harms for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — The bill mandates a strategy to deepen bilateral and collective engagements with allies and littoral states. Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — The bill aims to ensure the safety of United States citizens in the region through strategic engagement.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — The bill supports unfettered commerce and protects economic interests in the South China Sea. Would people in cities be better off under this? — The bill seeks to protect maritime economic interests that impact global trade hubs.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The bill includes plans to respond to illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing practices.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices? — The bill supports freedom of commerce and helps counter economic coercion in the South China Sea.
- 7/27/2026
- Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Risch with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
- Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 512.
- 6/17/2026
- Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
- 5/20/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
John CurtisRepublican · Utah